Factorial study of process parameters on the orientation state of injected bamboo fibre/Polypropylene composite parts

The aim of this study is identify the most important parameter affecting the state of orientation of bamboo/polypropylene composites (BsF/PP) by injection molding process. Evaluation, prediction and comparison between simulations (CAE software) and experimental results were performed. The effects of the injection molding parameters on fiber orientation state were analysed by conducting experiments using 'design of experiments' methodology. Four factors to three levels using integral fractionated reduced were investigated through each one of the 27 experiments. The samples were prepared using a single screw extruder and injection-molding machine at 30 wt. % of short bamboo fiber (BsF). The results showed that, the injection velocity is a parameter that significantly affects the fiber orientation state. Furthermore, the injection pressure showed a similar trend, by contrast both the holding pressure and mold temperature had not effects over the output variable. These results will assist to improve the mechanical performance of polymeric natural fiberreinforced composites.